contempt, which was shewn by an honest gentleman, distinguished
by the name of Wig-Middleton. That unshaken patriot still appears
in the same kind of scratch perriwig, skimming-dish hat, and slit
sleeve, which were worn five-and-twenty years ago, and has
invariably persisted in this garb, in defiance of all the
revolutions of the mode. I remember a student in the temple, who,
after a long and learned investigation of the to kalon, or
beautiful, had resolution enough to let his beard grow, and wore
it in all public places, until his heir at law applied for a
commission of lunacy against him; then he submitted to the razor,
rather than run any risque of being found non compos.

Before I conclude, I must tell you, that the most reputable shop-keepers
and tradesmen of Paris think it no disgrace to practise
the most shameful imposition. I myself know an instance of one of
the most creditable marchands in this capital, who demanded six
francs an ell for some lutestring, laying his hand upon his
breast at the same time, and declaring en conscience, that it had
cost him within three sols of the money. Yet in less than three
minutes, he sold it for four and a half, and when the buyer
upbraided him with his former declaration, he shrugged up his
shoulders, saying, il faut marchander. I don't mention this as a
particular instance. The same mean disingenuity is universal all
over France, as I have been informed by several persons of
veracity.

The next letter you have from me will probably be dated at
Nismes, or Montpellier. Mean-while, I am ever--Yours.

LETTER VII